Budget-Friendly 2-Day Itinerary in Banaras and Ayodhya

Day 1: Explore Banaras

Banaras, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chaat

Start your day with delicious aloo tikki chaat at Kashi Chaat, a local favorite to fuel your adventures.
Walk to the Ganga River after breakfast.
INR 100, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Morning Walk along the Ganges

Take a peaceful morning stroll along the Ghats of the Ganges while watching the locals perform morning prayers.
Continue walking along the ghats towards Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free, 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore this famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, admiring its stunning architecture and spiritual atmosphere.
Walk from the Ghat to the temple, which is about a 15-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the Banaras Hindu University

Head to the university's campus for its ancient architecture and vibrant student life.
Take an auto-rickshaw to BHU, approximately 10 minutes away.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Blue Lassi

Enjoy a refreshing lassi and some light snacks at this iconic spot; it’s a must-try experience.
Walk back to the main ghat area.
INR 150, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Sarnath

Take an auto-rickshaw to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon; explore the ruins and museums.
It’s a short 30-minute ride.
INR 50 (auto fare) & INR 30 (entrance fee), 3 hours

4:00 PM

Return to Banaras and Evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Come back to Banaras in time to witness the famous evening Ganga Aarti, a spiritual and colorful experience.
Take an auto back to Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 50, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Dominos

Enjoy a budget-friendly pizza dinner at Dominos; it’s a nice break from local cuisine.
A short walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 300, 1 hour
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Day 2: Discover Ayodhya

Ayodhya, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at a Local Tea Stall

Start the day with a cup of chai and bread at a local stall, great for mingling with locals.
After breakfast, head to the bus station.
INR 50, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Bus to Ayodhya

Catch an early bus from Banaras to Ayodhya to make the most of your day.
Buses frequently depart from the main bus terminal.
INR 200, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi

Explore the birthplace of Lord Ram, which is an important pilgrimage site; appreciate its early morning serenity.
From the bus station, take an auto-rickshaw to the site.
Free (donations welcome), 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Chaat Bhandar

Relish delightful local chaat dishes at this popular eatery, known for its affordable and tasty options.
Walk back to the main street.
INR 150, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Explore Hanuman Garhi

Climb the stairs to the temple dedicated to Hanuman for a panoramic view of Ayodhya, coupled with a spiritual ambiance.
It’s a short auto-rickshaw ride from the restaurant.
Free (donations welcome), 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Kanak Bhawan

Marvel at the beautiful architecture of Kanak Bhawan, dedicated to Lord Ram and his wife Sita.
A short walk from Hanuman Garhi.
Free, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore Nageshwarnath Temple

Move on to this temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva; it’s lesser-known yet quite remarkable.
Another short auto ride away.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Evening Snacks at a Street Vendor

Savor some regional snacks from a local vendor before wrapping up your explorations.
Generally available around the temples.
INR 100, 30 minutes

5:30 PM

Return to Banaras

Head back to Banaras via bus as your trip wraps up after an enriching spiritual journey.
Return to the bus station for your trip back.
INR 200, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Baidyanath Restaurant

End your day with a delicious budget-friendly dinner at this restaurant, featuring a mix of local and North Indian cuisine.
Located near the Ghat area, easy access from the bus station.
INR 250, 1 hour
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